The Flames on Thursday left for Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup in Uganda with coach Kinnah Phiri banking his hopes on debutants like blossoming midfielder Micium Mhone and Patrick Masanjala who have replaced wayward duo of suspended Davie Banda and Frank Banda.

The coach said he was confident that the two Blue Eagles stars were ripe and ready for top action in the national team.

“The aim of the Cecafa is to expose up- and-coming players like Mhone and Masanjala. I am confident that they will gain a lot from the tournament,” the coach said.

“This is their chance to prove to the nation that they are ready for the national team action.”

The two are expected to have their debut in the Flames’ opener against Rwanda’s Wasps on November 26.

Mhone and Masanjala form a lethal partnership at Eagles which has seen the duo tormenting Super League giants like Bullets FC and Mighty Wanderers.

Mhone is the only player who has won TNM Super League player of the month award more than any other player this season.

He is also chasing the Carlsberg Malawi Cup player of the tournament award having led the police side to the semifinals in the competition. Kinnah has blended experienced and up-and-coming players.

He has picked seasoned campaigners in Foster Namwera, Bongani Kaipa, Ndaziona Chatsalira, Chimango Kayira, Joseph Kamwendo, Rodrick Gonani, Steve Chagoma, Pilirani Makupe, John Lanjesi and goalkeeper Charles Swini who have already been to Cecafa before.

Debutants at the regional tournament include Moses Chavula, Patrick Masanjala, Micium Mhone, Chiukepo Msowoya, George Nyirenda, Owen Chaima, Richard Chipuwa, Bernard Harawa, Green Harawa and Innocent Bokosi.